Making an Integrated Approach to Air Pollution and Climate Change a Reality in Asia

Many climate change actions do not only reduce greenhouse gases (GHGs) (such as carbon dioxide (CO2)) but also curb air pollution. Meanwhile, mitigating some air pollutants known as short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs) can also help limit near-term climate change. The growing awareness of air-climate linkages underlines that policymakers will need to take more integrated approaches to climate change and air pollution policies. The benefits of doing so promise to be particularly significant in Asia. This side event will highlight the activities of initiatives such as Asia Pacific Clean Air Partnership (APCAP) that aims to equip policymakers with the knowledge and skills to make integrated approaches to climate change and air pollution a reality in Asia.

At this side event, ICIMOD will present an overview of the status of air quality and climate change in the Hindu Kush Himalaya region. The presentation will also touch upon the summary of research that ICIMOD is conducting to understand the linkages between air quality and climate change in Asia, and how that research is envisaged to promote action on the ground.

Speakers

Chair: Eric Zusman, Institute for Global Environmental Strategies

Sunday Leonard, Climate Change and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC)

Mark Lawrence, Institute for Advanced Sustainability Sciences (IASS)

Eklabya Sharma, International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD)